Syed Ahmed (businessman)
Syed Ahmed, born on 17 September 1974, is a British businessman of Bengali descent. He has made notable contributions in the field of technology as the founder and CEO of Savortex, a prominent British technology company. Syed Ahmed's entrepreneurial journey extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he also gained recognition through his participation in the 2006 edition of The Apprentice, a popular UK television series. In the competition, Syed Ahmed showcased his business acumen and determination, ultimately finishing in fifth place.
Syed Ahmed | |
|---|---|
সৈয়দ আহমেদ | |
 Ahmed in 2019 | |
| Born | 17 September 1974 |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Sir John Cass Redcoat School West London College |
| Known for | Candidate on The Apprentice |
| Website | syed-ahmed |
Background
Syed Ahmed, originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh,[1] relocated to the United Kingdom with his parents when he was just nine months old. Growing up in East London,[2] he embraced the multicultural environment that shaped his upbringing.
As the founder and CEO of Savortex, Syed Ahmed has played a pivotal role in driving the company's success. Demonstrating his commitment to its growth and global expansion, he successfully raised over £1.5 million in funding. Notably, Syed Ahmed initially invested his own capital to finance the business, highlighting his belief in its potential.
Syed's expertise and passion for entrepreneurship have led him to deliver impactful speeches within the young business enterprise community and the broader enterprise community in Britain. He has also shared his insights at events like the Cleaning Show held at the London Excel Exhibition Centre, engaging with audiences and contributing to the discourse on business and innovation.
The Apprentice
Ahmed appeared as a candidate in series two of The Apprentice, a British reality television show hosted by Lord Alan Sugar. The series was broadcast from February to May 2006.
Post Apprentice
Syed Ahmed has made notable appearances in various media platforms, showcasing his diverse expertise and engaging with audiences.
He was invited as a paper reviewer on Sky News, where he participated in a celebrity panel to review current and upcoming newspapers. Syed Ahmed has also been interviewed on prominent television programs such as BBC Breakfast, where he joined candidate Jo Cameron for an insightful discussion. Additionally, he made an appearance on GMTV, further highlighting his media presence.
In another television endeavor, Syed Ahmed took part in Sky One's program titled "The Match," which featured 80 celebrities competing for a spot in a celebrity football squad, showcasing his sporting talents.
Furthermore, a documentary titled "Syed Ahmed - Hot Air?" was aired on Sky One in June 2007. The program documented Syed Ahmed's ambitious venture to establish a new company specializing in hand and body dryers. With a personal investment of £20,000, he aimed to develop the company within a three-month timeframe. The documentary followed the journey of SA Vortex's hand dryer products, providing insights into the launch and development process.
Charity work
Syed is an ambassador for international charity WaterAid which supports projects all over the world and Bangladesh.[3]
Awards and nominations
In January 2015, he was nominated and won the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the British Muslim Awards.[4]
References
- "Wadsworth, Alfred Powell, (26 May 1891–4 Nov. 1956), Editor Emeritus Manchester Guardian (Editor 1944–56); Director Manchester Guardian and Evening News Ltd", Who Was Who, Oxford University Press, 1 December 2007, retrieved 25 June 2023
- White, Frederick H. (1 April 2016), "A Slap in the Face of American Taste: Transporting He Who Gets Slapped to American Audiences", Border Crossing, Edinburgh University Press, retrieved 25 June 2023
- Hussain, Ali (31 December 2006). "Apprentice star gets a taste for the high life". The Sunday Times. London.
Born in Bangladesh, he arrived in Britain when he was nine months old.
- "British Muslim Awards 2015 finalists unveiled". Asian Image. 23 January 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2015.